“It started with a cup of LiShan Oolong, an aroma cup and an idea. Brother and sister team Jeff and Heidi Chen put their professional talents (designer, PR guru) together with their insatiable love for oolong tea, and magic was made. Born and raised in Taiwan, where tea is an important part of the culture, Jeff and Heidi think tea is more than a drink—it’s an adventure. Tea Ave reflects their shared values and passions: clear, authentic advice, a top-notch e-commerce experience, and, of course, delicious oolong tea.”
I need to start by saying that Tea Ave has officially left a great, lasting impression on me after they surprised me with a wonderful tea package prior to their launch on March 1, 2015. I was speechless and I’m not quite sure what to say now except for thank you. So I’ll say it three times. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I also have to mention that Tea Ave does an amazing job at putting so much information on their tea package. I do not think I have seen anything like it before. I love the convenience of having the origin, mountain altitude, cultivator, roasting and oxidation levels and more available with the tea itself. They do it in such an excellent way that it doesn’t seem like they are bombarding you with so much information either.
Ingredients: High Mountain Oolong and Alishan Jin Xuan
Steep Time: 2 minutes
First Sip Thought: “It’s flavoured?”
Smell: A mild yet soothing aroma is followed before and after steep with this oolong. Sweet ginger notes are evident with subtle floral essences. This could possibly be one of my favourite oolongs to just sit and inhale the aroma and steam for hours on end.
Taste: If I were to do a blind taste testing with this tea I’m not sure I would be able to tell that it is actually a flavoured oolong. The flavours accompany one another so nicely that you are left with an exquisite oolong that is not overpowered by a strong addition. It was made clear on the packaging and it is most definitely a light oolong. I like it this way, too. It is creamy with floral and buttery notes. The ginger is noticeable in the taste as it was the aroma–more sweet than spicy. I believe it becomes more evident in the smooth finish. I was able to resteep the leaves up to 4 times. While I found it was not as creamy than the initial brew, the sweet notes just kept getting sweeter. Tea Ave says “call it Summer in a cup” and that is just what I will do especially since there is no escaping the current snowfall out my window.
My new tea pet enjoyed indulging in this oolong with me too!
Verdict: 4 out of 5 tea leaves
Sounds good! I love it when companies are transparent and open with what their teas contain 🙂
@Sarah @ Leaf in Hot Water Me too! I love highlighting companies like that 🙂